Achieving the goals of the construction phase of the development project of Waad al-Shamaal Industrial City would not have been possible without cooperation and integration between government and private institutions, according to Saudi Minister of Energy, Industry and Mineral Resources Khalid al-Falih.
During his tour at the project in the northern area, Falih pointed out that to the achievements fulfilled in comparison to the challenges and difficulties facing the construction work and preparations.
He praised the great support of the government of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, and the complementary work between ministries and their partners, as well as work of Maaden and its partners.
Accompanied by members of Maaden’s Board of Directors, Minister al-Falih started his visit by touring Saudi Industrial Property Authority (Modon) during which the director general Khalid al-Salem presented the future infrastructure plans.
Falih and his accompanying delegation were also briefed about the area allocated for Saudi Aramco projects, which will serve as a service area and support center for non-traditional gas sector in the northern border region.
In related news, the minister inspected the housing project where more than 480 units were completed before the planned date. The construction of the residential city and the industrial facilities will continue gradually according to the strategic vision of the project.
Falih also visited the construction site of Karan Hotel Waad al-Shamal, which is considered one of the most important investment opportunities in the city, located in the center of the city.
In addition, the minister visited Maaden al-Shamal Phosphate Company which includes five plants with their facilities, three of which are primary at the project site. Maaden and its partners, SABIC and Mosaic, world's largest phosphate producers, invested around 30 billion riyals in the project.
The tour also included the new administrative building of Maaden al-Shamal Phosphate Company during which the company president and the team gave a technical presentation on the factories' potentials, work mechanisms, training and employment programs.
Also, Saudi Ports Authority completed the construction of three new docks within Ras al-Khair port in order to increase the exportation of Waad al-Shamal products. The first phosphate consignment had been shipped from the port.
Technical and Vocational Training Corporation is also constructing the National Training Institute in the city, while the electric company has completed the construction and operation of the main station and residential substation within the city.
Minister Falih and his accompanying delegation also visited the power plant project in the city, which is being set up by the Saudi Electricity Company which will supply the city with electricity of total capacity of 1390 megawatts, 50 of which are generated by solar power.
